Type of medicine: antibiotic
Generic and brand names: meropenem, injection; Merrem IV
This medicine is given by IV injection (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat serious bacterial infections.
This medicine will not cure viral infections such as colds and the flu.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The injections are given by a healthcare provider. The number of injections you need will depend on the infection and your response to the medicine.
This medicine may cause severe diarrhea. Do not take any type of diarrhea medicine on your own. If you develop diarrhea that is severe and does not stop, contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that will not stop, seizures, unusual bruising or bleeding, sores in the mouth or tongue.
Other: Mild diarrhea; headache; nausea; vomiting; constipation; pain, irritation, or swelling at the spot where you received the shot.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
